Additional information is available regarding products affected by the packet processing denial of service vulnerability.
Description
Intel 82574L Ethernet Controllers contain a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause a denial of service (DoS) condition on the targeted system.
The vulnerability is due to improper processing of valid but specially crafted network packets. An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending malicious network packets to the targeted device. If successful, the attacker could cause the device to stop responding to network traffic, resulting in a DoS condition.
Proof of concept code is publicly available.
Intel has confirmed the vulnerability and corrected the manufacturing defect.
Warning Indicators
Systems and devices using the Intel 82574L Gigabit Ethernet Controller on certain affected motherboards are vulnerable.
IntelliShield Analysis
Intel has confirmed the vulnerability as a manufacturing defect with a third-party motherboard manufacturer. Intel reports the manufacturing process has been corrected. Because only certain types of motherboards from certain manufacturers are affected, the number of affected systems is likely limited.
Although no functional exploits are available, technical details exist that could aid in the creation of exploit code.
System recovery may require power-cycling a targeted device, making recovery difficult. However, in the case of exploitation, the overall system remains operational, reducing the impact of exploitation.
An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability to cause a targeted system's network interface to stop responding to network traffic, resulting in a DoS condition.
Technical Information
The vulnerability is due to improper handling of values in network packets processed by the affected device. The processing of certain hex values in a network packet could cause the network interface to stop responding.
An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending malicious network packets to the targeted device. When processed, values in the packet could cause the network interface to stop responding to network traffic, resulting in a DoS condition.
Safeguards
Administrators are advised to contact the vendor regarding future updates and releases.
Administrators are advised to allow only trusted users to have network access.
Administrators can help protect affected systems from external attacks by using a solid firewall strategy.
Administrators are advised to monitor affected systems.
Patches/Software
Intel has addressed the manufacturing defect with the primary manufacturer.
Alert History
Version 1, February 7, 2013, 4:56 PM: Intel 82574L Ethernet Controllers contain a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause a denial of service condition. Updates are not available.
The security vulnerability applies to the following combinations of products.
Primary Products:
Intel Corporation
Intel 82574L Gigabit Ethernet Controller
Original Release Base
Associated Products:
N/A
Alerts and bulletins on the Cisco Security Intelligence Operations Portal are highlighted by analysts in the
Cisco Threat Operations Center and represent a subset of the comprehensive content that is available through Cisco Security IntelliShield Alert Manager Service.
This customizable threat and vulnerability alert service provides security staff with access to timely, accurate, and credible information about threats and vulnerabilities that may affect their environment. Cisco is pleased to offer a free trial of the service.
To register for full access, please visit the IntelliShield trial registration page.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER The urgency and severity ratings of this alert are not tailored to individual users; users may value alerts differently based upon their network configurations and circumstances. THE ALERT, AND INFORMATION CONTAINED THEREIN, ARE PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" BASIS AND DO NOT IMPLY ANY KIND OF GUARANTEE OR WARRANTY, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE. YOUR USE OF THE ALERT, AND INFORMATION CONTAINED THEREIN, OR MATERIALS LINKED FROM THE ALERT, IS AT YOUR OWN RISK. INFORMATION IN THIS ALERT AND ANY RELATED COMMUNICATIONS IS BASED ON OUR KNOWLEDGE AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. CISCO RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE OR UPDATE ALERTS AT ANY TIME.